On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September the Regional Set work Competition for 2017 was held at in Ipswich, where young gymnasts from across the east region were competing for places in the different age group teams to go to the National Finals in November. Following the competition those chosen to represent the region will met regularly to polish up and improve their routines for the big competition. There are two paths leading to the finals; one for elite grades and one for club grades. It is possible to move from one path to the other as gymnasts develop during their gymnastic careers, but he routes chosen for each gymnast is based upon the judgement of the coaches, who prepare the gymnasts for these very competitive events. Each of the competitors is required to perform the specific set routine for their age group on floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, high bar and a physical preparation routine, which includes flexibility, balance and strength moves.

In the elite grade 1 competition for boys aged 8/9 Waveney was represented by TJ Carpenter who scored a total of 61.45 to be overall fifth (5). With three scores over 9.0 on pommel horse 9.50, vault 9.75 and parallel bars 9.0 he successfully made the team.

At club grade pre-level 1 for boys aged 7/8 Noah Scott scored a total of 60.15 to finish second (2). He managed three scores over the magic 9.0 with pommel 9.15, vault 9.65 and PPP 9.0, which promises well for the future as he is too young to go to national finals this year.

At club grade level 1 for boys aged 8/9 Aston Charlton scored a total of 60.75 to be place in the silver medal position (2nd). He scored four marks above 9.0 with floor 9.20, pommel 9.40, vault 9.30 and PPP 9.60, so selected for the team in this age group.

At club grade level 2 the club was represented by Oliver Wiley and his total of 64.90 overall meant he was the winner of this age group and gold medallist. With five scores above 9.0 it was an excellent performance of consistency. Floor 9.40, pommel 9.70, rings 9.40, vault 9.80 and PPP 9.40, so comfortably making the team.

At club grade 3 Sonny Warboys scored a total of 60.55 with three scores above 9.00, which included 9.05 on floor, 9.30 on pommel and 9.55 on vault. He was placed in overall sixth (6). Two places behind was Murphy Keeler-Reynolds with a total score of 58.90, which included floor 9.05 and vault 9.35. both boys just missed out on making the team.

In club grade level 4 Harley Hawes scored a total of 63 80 to finish in fourth place (4), which included 9.40 on floor, 9.0 on pommel horse, 9.05 on rings, 9.15 on vault and 9.60 on PPP. In fifth place was Brodie Davis with a total of 63.15, including floor 9.50, pommel 9.40, rings 9.20, vault 9.50 and parallel bars 9.50. both boys made the team selection.

At club grade 5 Gregor Belousov scored a total of 63.50 to finis in fourth (4) place overall, which included four scores above 9.00 from rings 9.55, vault 9.60, parallel bars 9.00 and high bar 9.15, but also making the team.

The coaching of Ashleigh Moore and Declan Ayers has been outstanding in preparing these boys for such a busy period of competitions recently, which has been reflected in the consistent level of performances produced by so many of the gymnast from the club. At this competition the club entered nine gymnasts and six were selected for the different age groups to go to the National Finals where we hope they will return with similar results, but this will involve gymnasts from across the whole of the country, although the east is a strong region. Well done to all those gymnasts, coaches and parents who have supported their youngsters in the sport.